THE RECKONING The morning was dark, and although the gale had dropped, a raw, cold wind blew up the valley past Mireside farm, where three or four farmers' traps and some rusty bicycles stood beneath the projecting roof of a barn.

The bleating of sheep rose from a boggy pasture by the beck, and lights twinkled as men with lanterns moved about in the gloom.

Now and then somebody shouted and dogs barked as a flock of Herdwicks was driven to the pens.
In the flagged kitchen, Mrs.Railton and Lucy bustled about by the light of a lamp and the glow of the fire.

The table was covered with used plates and cups.

The men outside had breakfasted, but one or two more might come and Mrs.Railton wondered when Kit would arrive.